Sunday, June 22, 2008

Today we finally made it Chang Mai, Thailand. After 26 or so hours of flying and going through 11 time zones, we made it to our final destination. Today is also our 12th wedding anniversary. What a way to celebrate! Most of our day was spent in Bangkok. We went to a Jade Museum (aka. Jade store) where John bought me a Jade necklace for our anniversary. Then we spent several of the hottest hours of my life at the Palace. The pictures are amazing and hopefully I'll be able to get some up here soon. I really don't think I have ever been so hot in all of my life.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Half of our group is still not here so we have today to explore the city. Slept late, explored the city, shopped and had dinner. Some of our group rented scooters and took a ride up the mountain. They never made it because Amber wrecked her scooter and had to be taken to the emergency room where she had surgery for her broken wrist. That was our excitement for the day. The second half of our group arrived today.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Today was a whole team fun day. We spent the day at an Elephant Farm. It was incredible! If you have ever dreamed of riding an elephant through the jungle, then this is definitely the place you need to come. We got to sit on the elephants and take pictures. Then they did a show where the elephants did some tricks; played soccer, dunked basketballs, played harmonicas, (no joke) and the funniest was they painted. They put long paint brushes in the elephants mouth and, with a little guidance from their trainer, painted an elephant or a few painted flowers. Cole, one of our worship leaders, had an elephant paint a flower on his shirt while he was wearing it.

We then loaded up on the elephants, 45 in all, and headed out in a single file line through the jungle for an hour or so ride. It was so surreal that we were doing that. Then we took an oxe cart back to the main base camp. Almost forgot to mention that we took a bamboo raft down the river. Just 10 long pieces of bamboo tied together with rope. I was in the raft with John and 4 other guys so our raft was a little lower in the water than most.

Tuesday night we met together for dinner and David G., the head of this region, talked to us about the region and the missionaries serving in this area.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Today we started working with our groups and doing some preparation for the AGM. Set up the school for the children, set up one end of a hallway in the hotel for the preschool, started practicing. At night we are on our own for dinner so we head down to the night market for dinner, shopping, and massages. They cost about $3-$5. No kidding!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

John is on the children's team with the 7th grade boys, so they spent the entire day at a school. They just had a great day of getting to know the kids, playing with them, swimming and just being there for them. Their parents are all in meetings back at the hotel. John said his day was just awesome and emotionally draining to hear stories from these kids who are living on the mission field. I'll let him add some stories. I spent the day with the worship team practicing in the heat. (you have to pay extra to have the air turned on) The Tebow's were also here, Robbie, Peter, and Tim, visiting their sister, Christi. Tim spoke to the youth and were able to ask him questions.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Same schedule as yesterday, it just helps me to write it down so when I get home I can remember all that we did. These last few days have been considered Pre-conference. Tomorrow starts the AGM conference where we will be in high gear. So before our team is spread out over the city doing different jobs, we're having a worship service with just our team. It will be a week before we are all together again.